This evening a fellow parent sent me pictures of some troubling graffiti at one of our secondary schools. The two defacements, the first one demeaning women (starting with the unfortunate phrase "Grab her by..."), and second one displaying hatred for trans or other gender expressions, were appalling to view. The simple explanation, that of some person or persons simply seeking attention, may be superficially true. But the symbolism, that of intolerance, meanness, and division at one of our local Vancouver schools, cannot be ignored.

As Vancouver parents, we must denounce this regressive view. As citizens, we must stand strong for equality of all people, and must combat the negativity too often expressed by those afraid. And as humans, we must strive to treat each other with compassion and dignity.